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Volume 14 Number 70

13 BIOENERGY

Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

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Comment

Contents

elcome to the Autumn issue of Forest Bioenergy Review incorporating PIM Renewable Energy. Most of Europe has been subjected to record-breaking temperatures this Summer and weather forecasters

are predicting that this could well become the new norm as the century unfolds. For those producing solar power, this is not an undesirable outcome unless, of course, no extra battery storage has been installed to take

INDUSTRY NEWS

Drax acquires solar and wind assets

advantage of increased sunlight, a stricture that also applies to wind energy where output can exceed what is sent to a nation’s power grid. However, this is not necessarily the case for biomass and hydro sources where generation can be tailored more efficiently to supply the national grid while meeting specific local needs. In fact, local power generation continues to be seen as the way forward for longterm stability and less reliance on ageing energy infrastructure. Looking forward to our distinctly cooler Winter issue, we will be

HYDROGEN

Hydrogen on demand technology offers energy

covering wind, solar, battery and hydrogen power updates, forestry as part of multi-fuel energy production and control systems for power production and management. News for this issue should be sent no later than 10th November via e-mail to: pulppaperlogistics@ virginmedia.com Vince Maynard,

SOLAR

Publisher

Gülermak Renewables signs multi-site Polish PPA

FOREST BIOENERGY REVIEW Volume 14, Number 70 – Autumn 2026 Contact information PUBLISHER &

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ANDRITZ

Sodium Sulfur balance in control with major chemical savings

FORESTRY MACHINES New generation of forestry machines

Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

INDUSTRY NEWS

West Raynham Solar Farm in Norfolk.

Drax acquires solar and wind assets

t has been announced that Drax Group plc has completed the acquisition of renewable energy company Bluefield Solar Income Fund Ltd (BSIF) for £548 million. The deal is transformative for Drax, adding solar and wind assets to its generation portfolio for the first time. The deal provides Drax with 0.9 GW of operating and under construction solar and wind assets, as well as a gross development pipeline of 2.9 GW, which could be constructed across the next decade. When combined with Drax’s BESS and OCGT development sites, the group’s renewable generation business and flexible

Forest Bioenergy Review Autumn 2026

generation assets will have a larger combined power capacity of over 3 GW than Drax Power Station’s 2.6 GW for the first time. The acquisition will increase the role Drax plays in supporting the UK’s goals of strengthening energy security, keeping power affordable and accelerating decarbonisation. Drax expects the deal to be backed by strong cash generation from BSIF’s existing operational portfolio, disciplined capital investment and attractive returns for Drax shareholders. Drax Group CEO, Will Gardiner, said: “This is a transformational moment

for Drax. By adding solar and wind to our portfolio for the first time, we are broadening the role we can play in supporting the UK’s energy security and helping to decarbonise the power system. “As demand for electricity grows, the UK will need more renewable power, alongside the flexible generation and system support needed to keep the grid secure. This acquisition strengthens our platform for growth and will help us deliver long-term value for our shareholders. “We’re proud to have been at the heart of Britain’s energy system for 60 years and we’re investing in and

evolving our business now to ensure we continue to deliver what the country needs for decades to come.” Demand for electricity in the UK is expected to grow significantly in the years ahead, driven by new technologies such as AI and data centres, as well as the electrification of transport and industry. Drax believes the addition of solar and wind assets will strengthen its ability to support UK energy security, help decarbonise the power system and create long-term value for the business. More information: www.drax.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

New trade body for wood fuel

he UK Pellet Council (UKPC) has welcomed the formation of the Wood Fuel and Heating Association (WFHA), a new trade body established to provide a single, co-ordinated voice for the UK’s wood fuel and heating sector. The launch of the WFHA marks a pivotal step forward for the industry, filling a long-standing gap by bringing together the entire supply chain from wood pellet, waste wood and wood chip suppliers to biomass boiler distributors, installers, maintenance providers and compliance specialists. Wood fuel heating provides sustainable, low-carbon renewable heat to homes, businesses and industries across the UK, while supporting jobs, forestry and rural economies. With biomass heating playing a critical role in decarbonising rural and off-grid properties where heat pumps alone cannot practically or affordably serve, the new body provides the sector with a stronger, co-ordinated voice in discussions with government and policymakers regarding Net Zero and renewable heat policy. The UKPC views the arrival of the WFHA as a major positive step. The UKPC and WFHA already share a number of members and plan to work closely together. The UKPC will maintain its specific focus on wood pellet supply chains and ENplus quality assurance, while the WFHA

will represent the broader heating ecosystem. Neil Holland, Chair of the UKPC, said: “The wood fuel and heating sector has grown steadily in importance over recent years, particularly for rural and off-grid properties where biomass remains one of the few practical, low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuel heating. "Biomass wood heating has a genuine and often underappreciated role to play in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions and hitting Government Net Zero targets. Too often, biomass gets left out of the conversation or is talked

about only in the context of largescale power generation rather than the heat sector, where it does some of its most valuable work for customers, communities and rural economies. "Having two organisations aligned on that message, each bringing their own expertise and networks, only strengthens the case. We congratulate Terence McCracken and the founding board on getting WFHA off the ground and look forward to a close working relationship in the months and years ahead as we put forward a unified, positive message on the role of biomass in the UK's low-carbon heat

future." Terence McCracken, Chair of the WFHA, said: “By bringing every link of the supply chain under one roof, we can finally advocate for practical, real-world solutions with the collective weight the sector deserves. "Having the support of established leaders like Neil and the UK Pellet Council right out of the gate is a huge vote of confidence. We’re here to join forces, amplify expertise and ensure Government policy reflects the full picture of UK heating.” More information: www.wfha.co.uk

WFW advises green flexibility on battery storage acquisition Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised green flexibility development GmbH on the acquisition of a portfolio of utility-scale battery energy storage projects developed by Kajoni Energie GmbH. The portfolio has a total capacity of approximately 750 MW and 3 GWh of storage capacity and is participating in the current maturity assessment procedure for extra-high-voltage grid

connections in Germany. As part of the transaction, green flexibility secures the projects’ participation in the maturity assessment process for grid connections. Following potential approval by the transmission system operator, Kajoni will further develop the projects until they are ready for construction, before green flexibility takes over their implementation,

operation and marketing. The projects are expected to make a significant contribution to the integration of renewable energy and more efficient use of existing grid capacity whilst providing increased flexibility within the German electrical system. The WFW Germany Energy team that advised green flexibility was led by Dr Wolfram Böge, Hamburg

Corporate Partner, who commented: “We are delighted to have advised green flexibility on this strategically important transaction. The projects highlight the growing importance of utility-scale battery storage systems for the energy transition and the further expansion of grid infrastructure in Germany”. More information: www.wfw.com Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

INDUSTRY NEWS

Lightweight solar panels installed at iconic pavilion

ommercial solar specialist, Absolar has installed 144 lightweight solar panels (specifically chosen for the site considering its structural features) across the auditorium roof of Bexhill-on-Sea’s Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion on England’s South Coast as part of its major transformation project, An Icon For Everyone in partnership with Rother District Council. Creating a system capacity of 77.7 kWp meeting approximately 20% of the pavilion's annual electricity demand. This is the first installation of this specific lightweight panel in the UK. At just 7.2 kg/m2, these panels are among the lightest high-performance modules available commercially. This means the pavilion's original steel roof structure, designed by structural engineer Felix Samuely, can carry the full array while preserving load-bearing capacity for future auditorium equipment and upgrades. Critically, the lightweight specification does not come at the cost of performance. The panels carry industry-leading efficiency ratings, generation output and manufacturer warranties. The solar panels are paired with the latest solar GoodWe inverters, selected for seamless integration with the pavilion's existing electrical infrastructure and to provide compatibility for future battery storage, which would increase the building's energy selfreliance further. The impact this will have

includes: 71,570 kWh generated per year, meeting approximately 20% of the De La Warr Pavilion's annual electricity demand; and 18 tonnes of CO 2 saved annually, equivalent

to the stage lighting for around 715 productions (based on a 50 kW/ hour West End lighting rig) Stewart Drew, CEO and Director, De La Warr Pavilion, said: “As we

celebrate the 90th year of the De La Warr Pavilion, I couldn’t be prouder to see these solar panels being installed. It’s a milestone moment, and one that reflects our ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability, strengthening the long-term resilience of the building and reducing its operational impact on the environment. These superlightweight panels are the first of their kind to be installed in the UK and have been carefully chosen to be sympathetic to the existing roof, preserving the integrity of this Grade I listed modernist landmark”. Dr Phil Wu, CEO of Absolar, commented: “It’s been a real honour to be part of this project as the De La Warr Pavilion is such a community asset, steeped in history and loved by the people of Bexhill. We were determined to find a solution that protects and preserves it for the next 90 years and beyond. “As a listed building used daily by artists and the wider community, we approached this as much as an art project as an engineering one. Absolar chose modern solar panels, which are lightweight yet don’t compromise on performance. This means we fully respect the building's original structure while securing its energy future. We're proud to be part of its journey helping make it both structurally sound and environmentally ready for the next century.” More information: www.absolar.co.uk

Turning waste into sustainable energy A 4:42 minutes long video has been issued by Valmet showing how Thang Long Energy Environment is transforming municipal waste into renewable energy at the Bac Ninh Waste4

Forest Bioenergy Review Autumn 2026

to-Energy Plant in Vietnam. The company’s website also offers a shorter variation of just 2.33 minutes Powered by Valmet’s Circulating Fluidised Bed boiler technology, flue

gas cleaning system and Valmet DNA Distributed Control System, the plant efficiently converts waste into electricity while meeting strict environmental standards. This customer reference story

highlights the power of innovation, partnership and sustainability in supporting Vietnam’s energy transition. More information: www.valmet.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

Record growth for renewable power generation

he Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on 14 July showed that renewable electricity generation grew by 9.8% in 2024, which was significantly higher than the growth rate recorded in 2023. Non-renewables continued to fall behind with an increase of 1.4% over the same period. Overall, renewables accounted for 31.7% of the electricity generation globally in 2024, totalling 9 836 terawatt hours (TWh). Drawing on IRENA’s roadmap, the incoming COP31 Presidency of Turkey has announced a global electrification target of 35% of final energy demand by 2035 as part of its Action Agenda. The newly released power generation data clearly show that achieving this ambition would require renewables to increase their share in global electricity generation from 31.7% in 2024 to 78% by 2035.

Commenting on the new dataset, Francesco La Camera, IRENA DirectorGeneral, said: “The world is rallying behind electrification as a cornerstone of the energy transition, with renewable electricity as its driving force. Growing support for global electrification reflects a shared recognition that clean electricity strengthens energy security,

resilience and competitiveness. This will require renewable electricity generation to expand at an unprecedented pace over the next decade – around 2.5 times today's level. Technologies are available, the economics are compelling. Now we must swiftly shift from fossil fuels to clean electricity across buildings,

transport and industry”. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), added: “Every nation at COP30 agreed unanimously that the global transition is now ‘irreversible’ and this new data is powerful new evidence. With renewable power generation clocking its fastest growth ever, the shift to clean energy is charging ahead, because it’s now cheaper, safer and faster-to-market, in stark contrast to this year’s ongoing fossil fuel cost chaos – driving inflation painfully higher for every economy, millions of businesses and billions of households but despite this vast progress, the shift to clean energy is still far from fast or inclusive enough, and many vulnerable nations need significant support, making full and timely delivery of all climate finance pledges essential”. More information: www.irena.org

One of Germany’s largest battery storage systems SUNOTEC is advancing the delivery of a 100 MW/441 MWh stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Stendal, Saxony-Anhalt. The storage project represents a significant addition to Germany’s rapidly expanding battery storage infrastructure and will rank among the country’s largest battery storage systems upon completion. Commissioning is planned for Q1 of 2027. Following the project’s transition to ready-to-build status in Q2 of 2026, SUNOTEC is leading its implementation as a full turnkey provider, bringing together its engineering, installation and longterm operations and maintenance capabilities. The Stendal project marks another important step in SUNOTEC’s expansion of its battery storage activities across Europe. Over recent years, the company has gained extensive experience deploying utilityscale battery storage infrastructure, with 6.1 GWh of BESS capacity

On 27 August, SUNOTEC marked the official project launch at the future battery storage site in Stendal, bringing together 65 guests from politics, the energy sector, project partners and the local community. Among those attending were: Thomas Wünsch, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment of Saxony-Anhalt; Bastian Sieler, Lord Mayor of the Hanseatic City of Stendal; representatives of Avacon and WT Energiesysteme; and senior representatives of SUNOTEC and other project partners. Left to right: Holger Stabernack, Karsten Becker, Thomas Wünsch, Bastian During the ceremony, speakers Sieler and Bernhard Suchland cut the ribbon, marking the official start of highlighted the growing importance construction of the large-scale battery storage project in Stendal, Germany. of large-scale battery storage for installed across Europe. SUNOTEC is store electricity when supply is high Germany’s energy system and the now applying this experience to other and make it available again when significance of continued investment markets, including Germany, where the required. Large-scale battery storage in energy infrastructure in Saxonyaccelerating integration of renewable can thereby provide flexibility to Anhalt. The event concluded with a generation is increasing demand for the electricity system, support the symbolic project launch at the future flexible energy infrastructure. integration of renewable generation storage site. With 441 MWh of storage capacity, and contribute to a more resilient More information: the Stendal project is designed to energy infrastructure. www.sunotec-group.com Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

INDUSTRY NEWS

Successful trials by sustainable aviation fuel pioneer

ova Pangaea Technologies, the UK company with a unique process to create sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from waste biomass, has completed successful endurance trials that further validate its technology. The trials, which took place at its demonstration plant on Teesside, show continuous stable operation in production runs of up to 72 hours and achieved above target yields. It marks another step forward for Nova Pangaea, which will be raising funds to progress its first commercial plant, and comes as the aviation industry seeks ways to scale up SAF production using other sustainable raw materials to end the current dependence on waste oils and fats. Nova Pangaea is working with British Airways and LanzaJet on Project Speedbird, an initiative

Forest Bioenergy Review Autumn 2026

supported by the UK government to produce carbon-negative aviation fuel from local waste biomass to decarbonise the aviation sector. For Speedbird, Nova Pangaea will construct four UK facilities to produce bioethanol from local wastes for upgrading to SAF. Nova Pangaea’s REFNOVA process converts waste biomass and residues, such as wood chips, sawdust or wheat straw, into ethanol, which can be used to make SAF and renewable diesel. It also produces a valuable co-product, biochar, which permanently captures carbon and makes the whole process carbon negative, removing more CO2 from the atmosphere than it releases. The latest trials used softwood residues from timber processing. Multiple runs were carried out processing up to 3 tonnes of feedstock per day. They follow initial smallerscale trials in early 2025 which

demonstrated the viability of the process outside of the laboratory. More trials will take place next year to fine tune the design of the first commercial-scale plant. By enabling the use of waste biomass, Nova Pangaea’s process can help prevent potential shortages of SAF in the future. Under UK and EU rules, airlines must use an increasing proportion of SAF in aviation fuel, rising from 2% to as much as 70% in 2050. However, at present almost all SAF comes from used cooking oil, which is in limited supply and will not be enough to meet future demand. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2030 there will be enough waste biomass available in Europe, including the UK, to produce around 30 million tonnes of SAF, equivalent to the European SAF targets for 2050. Stewart Stewart, CEO of Nova Pangaea, said: “The latest trials

have validated our technology and should further underpin the confidence of investors on our journey towards building our first commercial plant. “The SAF industry is currently at a critical point. Demand is increasing and supply chain shocks such as in the Middle East show the need to find an alternative to fossil fuels, yet aviation is currently reliant on SAF from a single feedstock, which will not be enough to meet growing SAF demand. “Nova Pangaea’s tried and tested technology offers a genuine alternative. By tapping into the plentiful supplies of waste biomass, we can boost SAF production, enhancing our energy security and building a new domestic industry that generates jobs and revenues while reducing fossil fuel emissions.” More information: www.novapangaea.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

European Pellet Conference 3 March 2027 Wels, Austria

Call for Papers: 9 October

The largest annual pellet event worldwide!

www.wsed.at Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review OÖ Energiesparverband, Linz/Austria, Tel. +43 732-7720-14386, office@esv.or.at, www.esv.or.at

HYDROGEN INDUSTRY NEWS

Hydrogen on demand technology offers energy

clean-energy technology company claims hydrogen gas produced on demand, at the point of use, could help strengthen energy security as Europe and the UK face renewed concerns over gas storage, supply resilience and Winter prices. Gas storage across Europe fell to historically low levels in late July, raising fears that the region could enter the Winter with reserves well below the five-year average. The pressure has intensified scrutiny of gas supply routes, LNG competition and the UK’s limited storage capacity, making energy security a renewed priority for policymakers, industry and households. Australian technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Rick Parish believes hydrogen on demand systems can play a major role in future-proofing clean gas supplies, reducing reliance on stored or transported fuel and improving resilience for communities and businesses exposed to volatile energy markets. Parish, the founder of Kinetic7 Technologies, a deep-tech company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Australia, the US and

Europe, has developed proprietary technology to create hydrogen gas on demand at the point of use. Conventional hydrogen production can require large-scale investment, extensive infrastructure and storage, whilst hydrogen stored under pressure requires careful handling. Kinetic7’s technology is designed to remove much of that cost and infrastructure by producing hydrogen only when it is needed. Originally conceived for humanitarian use in developing and Commonwealth nations, as well as for disaster management and resilience, the company has developed two portable cooking stoves, Nomad and Tribe, which can be rapidly deployed into disaster zones when critical infrastructure and power supplies are disrupted. The portable stoves use water and electrolysis to create hydrogen gas on demand. They require only a small amount of electricity and can be powered by solar panels, a small onboard battery or a mains connection. The company has now adapted its portable technology into a commercial unit, HODBox (Hydrogen On Demand Box), which can be used

by restaurants, hotels and largescale catering operations to provide clean gas for cooking. Kinetic7 says the hydrogen produced on demand can be delivered at a fraction of the cost of current natural gas supplies, making the technology a potentially attractive proposition for hospitality and catering businesses hit by rising

energy costs. Parish’s company is also working on a prototype for the residential market, which it believes could be a significant development for domestic energy supply, particularly off-grid households. More information: www.kinetic7.com

European consortium to develop solutions for hydrogen storage The HyCavern project has been officially launched, bringing together a European consortium of 15 partners to develop and validate next generation underground hydrogen storage solutions based on mined, lined rock caverns. Co-ordinated by SINTEF Industry, with Dr Pierre-Rolf Cerasi and Dr Mohammad Masoudi leading the project co-ordination, HyCavern aims to address one of the key challenges facing Europe’s future hydrogen economy: the need for large scale, safe and geographically adaptable hydrogen storage. 8

Forest Bioenergy Review Autumn 2026

As Europe increases the share of renewables in its energy system, hydrogen is expected to play an important role in balancing supply and demand, supporting industrial decarbonisation, and strengthening energy security. However, many current underground storage options depend on specific geological formations, limiting their deployment across Europe. HyCavern will respond to this challenge by developing lined rock cavern systems that can potentially enable hydrogen storage in regions where conventional

underground storage solutions are not available. The project will develop costeffective, safe and standardised solutions for hydrogen storage in mined, lined rock caverns, combining engineered lining systems, advanced materials, digital tools and real-time monitoring technologies. A key ambition of HyCavern is to make underground hydrogen storage more scalable and replicable by adapting cavern designs to diverse geological conditions. By doing so, the project aims to unlock

storage potential in areas that may not be suitable for conventional underground hydrogen storage, helping to support Europe’s clean energy transition. The project will also place strong emphasis on communication, stakeholder engagement and exploitation, ensuring that results are shared with industry, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the future hydrogen storage value chain. More information: www.hycavern.eu

INDUSTRYSOLAR NEWS

Gülermak Renewables signs multi-site Polish PPA

ondon-based Gülermak Renewables has signed a multi-site power purchase agreement with Hekla Energy for two of its solar assets in Poland. The agreement covers the 5 MW Powidz solar project and the 40 MW Brodnica solar project, both located in the Greater Poland region. The PVonly agreement is linked to Poland’s ‘Contract for Difference’ mechanism and provides route-to-market

support through to 2030. Hekla Energy is one of Poland's leading green energy suppliers, serving more than 20,000 customers nationwide. The company provides PPA, balancing and route-to-market solutions for renewable energy generators and is part of the Eneco Group, one of Europe's leading sustainable energy companies. The deal marks an important step in Gülermak Renewables’ plans to

build a significant Polish renewables platform as part of its wider UK and Europe portfolio. The company is targeting a 500 MW footprint in Poland across solar, battery storage and wind, supported by a 20-strong in-country team. Jakub Pilc, Head of PPA and Commercial Management at Gülermak Renewables, said: “This agreement is an important milestone for Gülermak Renewables in Poland

and demonstrates the progress we are making in building a long-term platform in one of Europe’s most attractive renewable energy markets. “With an established team on the ground and a strong pipeline of opportunities, this agreement with Hekla Energy is a first step towards delivering that strategy.” More information: www.gulermakrenewables. energy Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

ANDRITZ INDUSTRY NEWS

Sodium Sulfur balance in control with major chemical savings

ThioKraft plant

NDRITZ SulfoLoop TM sulfur recovery plant uses ThioKraft* technology, a new and clear example of what can be achieved at a pulp mill to control the sodium sulfur balance, at the same time as enabling significant savings in chemical use. ANDRITZ explores many avenues on its mission to transform pulp mills into truly circular and selfsustaining production powerhouses. It’s latest addition to the SulfoLoop

10 Forest Bioenergy Review Autumn 2026

product family, ThioKraft, uses bacteria to convert sulfides from green liquor into elemental sulfur. The process was originally developed by the Dutch biotech company Paques along with Stora Enso. Paques specialises in biological sulfur removal with its technology being commonly applied in wastewater treatment in the pulp and paper industries. ANDRITZ has recently partnered with Paques to offer the sulfur recovery solution for pulp mill circularity.

How ThioKraft Technology works? Controlling the sodium sulfur balance at a pulp mill is a crucial task and can be expensive when it comes to purging sulfate streams to wastewater and adding make-up chemicals to achieve the perfect result. So, imagine being able to control the required sodium sulfur balance in the process, and at the same time creating a fully usable side stream of sulfur to make sulfuric acid for the mill’s needs.

The ThioKraft process is designed to benefit the control of the sodium sulfur balance by extracting only a minor share of the green liquor and removing the sulfur using bacteria in a bioreactor. Bacteria originating from sulfur lakes are able to withstand high salinity and pH. The green liquor is then treated in a bioreactor where the bacteria oxidize sulfide-ions into elemental sulfur, finally producing solid sulfur cakes with a filter press. Mariana Carvalho, Business

INDUSTRY ANDRITZ NEWS

In the ThioKraft process, only a small portion of green liquor is treated, just enough to optimise the sodium-sulfur balance. As a result, the mill needs less make-up sodium, or it can use more costeffective sodium makeup chemicals, such as sodium sulfate.

Development Director, ANDRITZ, explains, “In the ThioKraft process, only a small portion of green liquor is treated, just enough to optimise the sodium-sulfur balance. As a result, the mill needs less makeup sodium, or it can use more cost-effective sodium make-up chemicals, such as sodium sulfate.” “The green liquor is taken in

and introduced to the bacteria, along with air, nutrients, and CO2 where the sulfide is converted into elemental sulfur.” After the conversion process, the treated green liquor goes back to the mill and the sulfur slurry is pressed with a filter press into cakes.

Synergies with the SulfoLoop Sulfuric Acid plant ThioKraft can run alongside ANDRITZ’s SulfoLoop sulfuric acid plant. The sulfuric acid plant only removes some 4 kg of sulfur per ADT of pulp from concentrated non condensable gases (CNCG) without additional process steps. For the sulfur recovery plant, there is no technical limit for the sulfur extraction, which can be very useful, for example, in mills investing in lignin recovery. “The sulfur produced from green liquor through the ThioKraft process is of high quality, but it still requires simple purification steps, such as melting, to meet commercial standards,” continues Carvalho. “If the mill has a SulfoLoop sulfuric acid plant, the sulfur can be used there.

Alternatively, the sulfur cake can be sold in the market as it is easily transportable.” Sulfur recovery plants are economically viable even at small pulp mills, unlike sulfuric acid plants, which need larger scale. Ideally, multiple nearby mills would host sulfur recovery units feeding one central sulfuric acid plant. Alternatively, adding sulfur recovery enhances flexibility in mills expanding capacity or investing in processes like lignin recovery. Carvalho explains, “Synergies can be found between mills, where the sulfur produced in one or several small mills is transported to a larger mill, where the acid plant is located. This way all pulp producers will benefit from the lower chemical costs.” The ThioKraft system uses green liquor from the mill, and CO2 from flue gases. It can also make use of the mill’s filtrates or condensates instead of fresh mill water. “By taking the full potential of side streams, the ThioKraft system can close additional loops inside the mill, decreasing waste and decreasing costs,” adds Carvalho.

From deep research into opportunity and ﬁnal product ANDRITZ has carried out extensive research into the potential of ThioKraft technology in the pulp process and has collaborated with Paques to bring the technology into practical use. Carvalho concludes, “We signed an agreement with Paques, enabling us to offer the technology as part of our SulfoLoop product range. In practice, Paques provides the technology license and core equipment, while ANDRITZ is responsible for the remaining scope, including integration to the pulp mill process, installation and process optimisation.” A SulfoLoop sulfur recovery plant using the ThioKraft process is part of ANDRITZ’s CircleToZero™ product portfolio, which focuses on eliminating unused side streams, creating new added value products, and laying a foundation for zero emissions and zero waste production. More information: www.andritz.com * ThioKraft is a trademark of Paques, used with permission by ANDRITZ.

The world’s largest recovery boiler at Bracell.

Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

INDUSTRY FORESTRYNEWS MACHINES

New generation of forestry machines

n 25 August, Komatsu Forest presented a new generation of forestry machines, where both harvesters and forwarders have been comprehensively updated to meet the evolving demands of modern forestry. The new range combines improved productivity with reduced environmental impact, focusing on efficiency, operator comfort and longterm reliability. The launch includes a complete update of Komatsu’s harvester portfolio, as well as a new generation of six-cylinder forwarders. Across both segments, the upgrades are centred around a new engine

12 Forest Bioenergy Review Autumn 2026

platform, enhanced driveline performance and a more refined operator environment. At the core of the new generation is the AP Core engine, designed to deliver higher power and torque while enabling more efficient operation. The increased engine performance makes it possible to operate at lower engine speeds while maintaining – or in many cases improving – productivity. In the harvester range, all seven models have been upgraded. New crane designs play an important role in this development. The cranes feature a more robust design, with additional cast components and

increased dimensions in key areas. This improves durability, particularly in demanding operations, while maintaining high performance and precision. The hydraulic system has been optimised to reduce pressure losses and improve overall efficiency, while a revised hydrostatic transmission enables high performance at lower engine speeds. Together with the engine updates, these improvements contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, while supporting efficient performance in a wide range of operating conditions. The new forwarders – Komatsu

855, 875 and 895 – benefit from similar core upgrades, including the same engine platform and an updated transmission. These changes enable higher transport speeds, improved traction and increased productivity in challenging terrain. Additional updates in the forwarder range include flexible load configurations, improved crane performance and several design changes that simplify service and maintenance. A redesigned access system and improved component lay-out also enhance operator safety. More information: www.komatsuforest.com

BIOENERGY INDUSTRY NEWS

Queensland bioenergy project for vegetable business

alfresh has secured the services of Weltec Biopower to deliver its landmark bioenergy facility at Kalbar, South-East Queensland, Australia, aligning with one of the world’s most experienced providers of anaerobic digestion technology. The vegetable business has signed an agreement with the German company to design and build the first stage of the bioenergy facility, which will anchor the new Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct. The partnership marks a significant milestone and will unlock the paddock-to-power potential of Kalfresh’s vertically

integrated business, which will turn crop residues, processing offcuts and agricultural waste into several renewable by-products. One byproduct, a nutrient-rich digestate, will be returned to farms as a biofertiliser, advancing Kalfresh’s long-term vision of circular agriculture. Richard Gorman, Kalfresh CEO, said Weltec Biopower will utilise its proven stainless-steel tank technology, ensuring durability, corrosion resistance and long operational life. He added, “For us, it was critical to work with a partner that has a track record of delivering reliable, longterm infrastructure. “This is proven technology and

we’re building it to last. We have visited many operational bioenergy sites overseas, including those designed and built by Weltec. They have a reputation for designing efficient, high- quality systems that deliver consistently. Kalfresh sent a group of Queensland farmers to Germany in April to visit Weltec sites and see the AD technology firsthand.” The project will be delivered in three stages. The first stage involves the construction of a large digester, with a diameter of 31.48 metres and a height of 8.8 metres, along with a digestate storage tank, supported by the newly implemented Weltec

Control system. It represents a new model for Australian agriculture where farming, food production and energy generation operate side by side in a closed-loop system. At full capacity, the facility could feature 14 digesters, which would be capable of producing enough energy to power up to 31,000 homes or fuel up to 98 million km of truck and bus travel annually. Mr Gorman commented, “Recent international events have made it clear there’s a real and immediate need for national fuel and fertiliser security”. More information: www.weltec-biopower.de Autumn 2026 Forest Bioenergy Review

INDUSTRY NEWS PEOPLE

New CEO at Scottish Renewables

n 13 July, Scottish Renewables, the voice of Scotland’s renewable energy industry, announced the appointment of Angela Hepworth as its new Chief Executive Officer. Angela will step into the role following an extensive search process, bringing more than two decades of experience in civil service and industry roles, with a proven track record of shaping the future of UK energy policy. She joins Scottish Renewables from Drax, where she has been Corporate Affairs Director and Commercial Director, leading work on low-carbon projects. Previously, Angela served as Policy & Regulation Director at EDF UK, leading development work of Sizewell C. Susie Lind, Chair of Scottish Renewables, said: “We are delighted to welcome Angela as our new CEO. Her proven track record in the energy

New CEO Angela Hepworth (left) and Suzie Lind. sector, combined with her strategic insight into the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, makes her the ideal new leader to guide Scottish Renewables. “As we work to deliver a sustainable, secure and affordable

energy future for Scotland, Angela’s expertise will be invaluable in representing our members and driving the policy changes necessary to unlock further investment and innovation.” As CEO, Angela Hepworth will

lead Scottish Renewables’ efforts to champion the sector, working with government, industry and stakeholders to support investment and accelerate progress towards Scotland’s renewable energy goals. Angela Hepworth, incoming CEO of Scottish Renewables, said: “I am honoured to be joining Scottish Renewables at such a transformative time for the energy sector. Scotland has already made remarkable progress in its renewable energy journey, but there is much more to be done to fully realise our potential. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Scottish Renewables and our diverse membership base to champion the sector, overcome barriers and ensure that renewable energy continues to be the cornerstone of Scotland’s economic and environmental future.” More information: www.scottishrenewables.com

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